Subfamily Parnassiinae

Tribe: Parnassiini

The evidently sedentary and often high-altitude nature of parnassiine populations and consequent description of many subspecies, particularly of European species, has tended to obscure the conservation status of species in this tribe (1,31, 141). Nevertheless, many populations, whether considered to be species or subspecies, have come under threat and even rendered extinct. In this respect, the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust will encourage conservation at all levels of taxonomy and distribution.

Genus 2: Archon Hubner

2.1 Archon apollinaris (Staudinger, 1892)

Found in Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Syria and Turkey. The accounts of this species and Archon apollinus need to be reviewed and reconciled (307-314)

2.2 Archon apollinus (Herbst,1798)

A narrow range including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Armenia and Turkmenistan. Fairly rare in collections, although this may be because it flies very early in the season. Not known to be threatened as a species. Listed as Vulnerable in Europe (123). Vulnerable and protected in Greece. Six subspecies. Common name: False Apollo (125). Other refs: 1, 141,169, 264.

Genus 3: Hypermnestra Menetries

3.1 Hypermnestra helios (Nickerl, 1846)

A narrow range in Afghanistan, Pakistan (Baluchistan), Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and possibly Turkmenistan. Rather poorly known and often considered to be a rarity, but it is not known to be threatened and is apparently rather common in the Maimana Province of Afghanistan (118). The taxon Hypermnestra was transferred to an independent tribe by Hiura in 1980 (126) but this was not followed by Hancock (109). Seven subspecies. Common name: Desert Apollo (80). Other refs: 1,71,141,169,259.

China: north-eastern Tsinghai, southern Kansu, northern Szechwan. This species was considered a subspecies of P. simo, but is now considered as a separate species (with five or six subspecies) occurring sympatrically (300,301,302).

4.3 Parnassius simonius Staudinger, 1989

A high-altitude butterfly with a very narrow range in the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The type locality is Aram-Kunghei in the Zaalaisky Mountains, Kyrgyzstan. Also, Fergana and Alai. Three subspecies. P. simonius is found on slopes at 3,400-4,500 m flying in July. The larva is associated with Lagotis decumbens and Veronica luetkeana.

4.4 Parnassius boedromius Pungeler, 1901

A high-altitude butterfly rarely below 5000m, which is found in known only along the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Xinjiang, China. Formerly considered as a subspecies of Parnassius simo. Seven subspecies (300). Larva feeds on Lagotis spp.

Species-group: tenedius Eversmann

4.5 Parnassius tenedius Eversmann, 1851

Russia (Tuvinskaya, Chitinskaya and Yakutskaya), Mongolia and China (Nei Monggol (Inner Mongolia)). Not known to be threatened as a species, but included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book, category Vulnerable (8). Very wide range in tundra, taiga and mountains (264). Five subspecies with similar appearance but widely separated (265). Other refs: 1, 31, 169.

4.6 Parnassius arctica (Eisner, 1968)

Mountains to the east of Verkhoyansk, probably in northern part of Khrebet Chersko (300). Formerly considered as a subspecies of Parnassius simo, its specific status remains somewhat in doubt.

Species-group: charltonius Gray

4.7 Parnassius charltonius Gray, 1853

Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, eastern Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Pakistan, northern India (including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh) and China – Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet). Not known to be threatened as a species and is common in Kashmir, but the nominate subspecies is protected by law in India (182). Up to twenty-six subspecies have been described but Weiss retains just eight (265, 300). Common name: Regal Apollo (80, 282). Other refs: 1, 4, 31, 72, 74, 259.

4.8 Parnassius inopinatus Kotzsch, 1940

Found only at mid-altitude in mountain ranges in north-western Afghanistan where it is very localised (264). Little is known about it, but the foodplant has been reported as Fumaria vaillanti in the Papaveraceae. It has appeared for sale on dealers’ lists. No threats recognized, but possibly a candidate for Near Threatened status. More information is required. Two subspecies. Other refs: 1,74,265,300.

4.9 Parnassius loxias Pungeler, 1901

Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan and China – Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang). A narrow range, possibly extremely rare but little information available from these inaccessible regions (264). Not known to be threatened but more data required. Three subspecies (300). Other refs: 1, 265, 288.

4.10 Parnassius autocrator Avinoff, 1913

VULNERABLE A spectacular species from Afghanistan and Tadzhikistan. Originally described as a subspecies of P. charltonius. Bryk (31) agreed, and it is omitted by Munroe (188) but considered as a full species by recent authors (1, 109, 250, 300). Narrow range in the Pamir Mountains and Hindu Kush and a rarity according to Smart (250). An extremely rare species in Tadzhikistan, where it is threatened by the degradation of high mountain pastures (260). It is included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book, category Rare (8). Careful monitoring and further study are required. Only one subspecies has been described (221, 300) but up to four have been listed. Other ref: 74.

Species-group: imperator Oberthur

4.11 Parnassius imperator Oberthur, 1883

North-eastern India (Sikkim) (80), western China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet), Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan (Szechwan) and Yunnan). Not known to be threatened as a species, but P. i. aiigustus is protected by law in India (182). It seems to be a common subalpine species in China (264). Twenty subspecies (265). Common name: Imperial Apollo (80). Other refs: 1,4,31,207.

4.12 Parnassius davydovi Churkin, 2006

A recently described and little known high-altitude species from Kyrgyzstan (Tian Shan).

Species-group: delphius Eversmann

4.13 Parnassius patricius Niepelt, 1850

Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan; China: north-western Sinkiang. A rather narrow alpine range but not known to be threatened. A high-altitude species, the larva feeds on Cysticorydalis fedtschenkoana. Five (265) or six (315) subspecies. Other refs: 1, 31.

4.14 Parnassius acdestis Grum-Grshimailo, 1891

Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, northern India (Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim), Bhutan and western China -Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet), Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang) and Sichuan (Szechwan)). No threats known but apparently very local and rather rare (264). Nineteen (265) or at least 26 (315) subspecies. Other refs: 1,31.

Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, China, India. A high-altitude butterfly found in the Pamir and Altay Mountains, the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and west Kuen-Lun. 28 subspecies according to Weiss (315). Common names: Karakorum Banded Apollo (P. s. hunza).

4.17 Parnassius maximinus Staudinger, 1891

A high-altitude butterfly found in the western ranges of the Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan(?). At times considered conspecific with P. delphius.

4.18 Parnassius cardinal Grumm-Grshimailo, 1887

A high-altitude butterfly from northern Afghanistan and Tajikistan. For some time considered to be a subspecies of P. delphius (315). Common name: Cardinal Apollo.

4.19 Parnassius stenosemus (Honrath, 1890)

Northern India: Jammu and Kashmir (Ladakh). Six subspecies (315) flying at 4100-5000m from alpine habitats to the snowline.

4.20 Parnassius stoliczkanus C. & R. Felder, 1864

Afghanistan (Badakhshan and possibly Nuristan) (118), northern India, (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh), Pakistan, and China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet)). 3500-5500m. Stated by Evans (80) to be very rare and given only subspecific status by him, by Eisner (73) and by Ackery (1), but listed as a full species by Munroe (188) with nine subspecies by Bryk (31), with seven subspecies by Talbot (259) with fifteen subspecies by Turlin (265) and fourteen subspecies by Weiss Part 2. Not mentioned by Hancock (109). It is protected by law in India (182). Further information needed on this species. Common name: Ladak Banded Apollo (80).

Western China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet), Gansu, Sichuan (Szechwan) and Qinghai). Not known to be threatened but apparently rather rare (264). Eleven distinguishable subspecies, not including maharaja (265) (see below) but Weiss cites 19 (300,315). Other refs: 1,31.

4.23 Parnassius maharaja Avinoff, 1916

North-western India (Jammu and Kashmir: Ladakh Range). Not known to be threatened. Treated only as a subspecies of P. cephalus by Ackery (1), Eisner (73) and Hancock (109). A full species in Bryk (31), Munroe (188), Smart (250), Talbot (259), Turlin (265) and Weiss (300). Found at high altitude above 5000m, where the foodplant is Corydalis.

4.24 Parnassius schultei (Weiss & Michel, 1981)

Western China – Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet). Poorly known species of the snowline. More information needed, but it occurs at high altitude, 5000 to 5300m.

Species-group: acco

4.25 Parnassius acco Gray, 1853

Pakistan, northern India (Jammu and Kashmir and further east in Sikkim), Nepal, western China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet) and Sichuan (Szechwan), and Yunnan if Parnassius przewalskii Alpheraky , 1887 is treated as a subspecies, as it is here). Possibly also Bhutan if P. hunnyngtoni Avinoff (below) is regarded as a subspecies (which it is not here). Stated by Antram (4), Evans (80) and Turlin (264) to be exceedingly, or very rare (in India(?)) but present status not known. Flies at high altitudes (5500-6200 m) so it is very rarely captured (264). The subspecies P. a. geminifer is protected by law in India (182). More information is needed, particularly from the Indian highlands and Tibet. Fourteen (?) subspecies. Common name: Varnished Apollo (80). Other refs: 1, 31, 169, 259.

4.26 Parnassius hunnyngtoni Avinoff, 1916

North-eastern India (Sikkim), China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet)) and Bhutan (?). Very rare, according to Evans (80) and Talbot (259) and protected by law in India (182), but specific status uncertain. Flies at a very high level (6000m) (264). Ackery (1) and Eisner (73) treat it as a subspecies of P. acco as, more doubtfully, does Smart (250). Hancock (109) does not mention it, but Turlin accepts it as a good species with two subspecies (265) as does Weiss (315). More information is required on this species. The spelling of the trivial name varies greatly with the authors quoted but Avinoff’s original hunnyngtoni was amended to hannyngtoni by Bryk (31), Munroe (188) and Talbot (259) and may in principle be more correct since the species was dedicated to Hannyngton (259), but the misspelling remains in the original description. Common name: Here the original intent can at least be recognised in Hannyngton’s Apollo (80).

Former U.S.S.R (Altay mountains and Tadzhikistan) and western Mongolia. Not known to be threatened. Localized in distribution (264) and rare in collections. Two subspecies (265). Other refs: 1, 31, 169.

4.30 Parnassius nordmanni (Nordmann,1849)

Former U.S.S.R. (eastern Armenia and the Bol’shoy Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountains; Azerbaydzhan and Georgia) and eastern Turkey. Locally distributed (264), sometimes abundant (193), but very rare in collections. Inhabits inaccessible areas above 2000m and has a short flight season (90,245). Included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book (8, 260), but known to be present in at least seven reserves and probably several more (193). Four subspecies described (239, 265), but their distinction is somewhat speculative (193). Other refs: 1,31,227.

4.31 Parnassius clodius Menetries,1855

Western U.S.A. (Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Nevada and California) and south-western Canada (British Columbia). Usually abundant and not known to be threatened as a species. However, two of the twelve subspecies are in decline. The Californian subspecies P. c. strohbeeni formerly occurred in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, but is now believed to be extinct. P. c. shepardii has a restricted distribution in the north-western states. It is now absent from former haunts in the Snake River Canyon on the border of Oregon and Idaho (216) and is listed as a Special Species by the Washington State Department of Game. Many conservationists blame logging and dam-building for the decline of these two subspecies, but others blame drought (216). Common name: Clodius Parnassian (216). Other refs: 1, 31, 55, 137, 169, 264, 269.

Species-group: eversmanni

4.32 Parnassius eversmanni Menetries,1849

Eastern former U.S.S.R, Mongolia to northern China, North Korea, Japan (Hokkaido), Alaska and Canada (Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and British Columbia). Included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book, category Vulnerable (8). Inhabits lowland and tundra. Populations difficult to assess but widespread. Not known to be threatened. Parnassius felderi (Bremer, 1861) from Khabarovsk Kray is not mentioned by Hancock (109), but is listed by Turlin with three subspecies (265). It is generally now considered to be a subspecies of P.eversmanni. Fifteen (?) subspecies (twelve in 265). Common name: Eversmann’s Parnassian (216). Other refs: 1, 31, 137, 141, 149, 169, 248, 264, 269.

Species-group: mnemosyne

4.33 Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus,1758)

Hilly or mountainous regions in Spain (Pyrenees), France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria (Endangered/Vulnerable (93)), Italy, Sicily, Albania, Yugoslavia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Poland, Germany(?), Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Ukraine to Armenia, Bol’shoy Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountains, Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Ural mountains, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. Not known to be threatened at the specific level, but now rare over the whole of its range in the former U.S.S.R. and listed in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book as such (8,260). Protected by law in Czechoslovakia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Lithuania (123). Another species which has been excessively subdivided, 125 subspecies being listed by Bryk (31). Common name: Clouded Apollo (125). Other refs: 1, 71, 72, 74, 169, 264.

Eastern China (Hubei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang), North Korea, South Korea and Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu and Shikoku). Accepted as a good species by recent authors (1, 141, 169, 247), though not by Bryk (31) (subspecies of stubbendorfi) or Munroe (188). The larval stages are quite distinct from those of clearly related species. Apparently common (264). Fifteen subspecies (265). Other ref: 149.

Species-group: apollo Linnaeus

4.36 Parnassius apollonius (Eversmann, 1847)

Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China (western Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang)). Twelve subspecies (265), most of which are difficult to distinguish. No evidence of being under threat. Other refs: 1,31,169,264.

4.37 Parnassius honrathi Staudinger,1882

Central Asia: western Uzbekis (?)tan (?), Tadzhikistan, southern Kyrgyzstan and north-eastern Afghanistan (Pamir Mountains). Five subspecies (265). No evidence of being in danger. Other refs: 1,31,74,169,264.

4.38 Parnassius bremeri Bremer,1864

Eastern former U.S.S.R., northern China (Heilongjiang, Hebei and Shanxi), North Korea, South Korea where it is threatened (152), Japan (Hokkaido) and possibly eastern Mongolia. The Japanese population is either extinct or the record is erroneous since no recent specimens are known (264). No information available about the status but declining in Korea due to overcollection and loss of foodplant (Dicentra perigrina) on skiing slopes. Conservation measures proposed in Korea include legislation prohibiting collection of the species and a captive breeding programme (153). More information is needed on this species, which has up to sixteen subspecies (265). Other refs: 1, 31, 71, 141, 149, 169.

Northern Italy. Recorded from the Brescia and Garda prealps, including mainly Lombardy but also Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto. Not recognised by Weiss (300,315). More information needed.

4.41 Parnassius smintheus Doubleday 1847

USA and Canada. From mountainous areas of Yukon, Alaska, British Columbia and south as far as New Mexico. They have one flight, from June to mid-August. Development variable, some eggs yield the larvae in the same year, others hibernate. Larvae feed on several species of Sedum (stonecrops). When about to pupate, the larva uses silk threads to draw a leaf or several leaves together into a cocoon, but pupae have also been found on the ground under pieces of wood without a trace of a cocoon. Common name: Rocky Mountain Parnassian or Mountain Parnassian.

4.42 Parnassius actius Eversmann, 1843

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (?), Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, north-eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, north- western India (Jammu and Kashmir) and south-western China (Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang) and Gansu). Very rare in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (?), Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan (former U.S.S.R.) and declining due to changes in high mountain meadows (260). Included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book, category Vulnerable (8). More information is needed on this species, which has up to nineteen subspecies (265). Other refs: 1,31,74,169,259.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India (including Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim), Nepal, Bhutan, China (Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet), Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang), Sichuan (Szechwan), Gansu and Qinghai) and possibly Tadzhikistan. A fairly broad distribution and not known to be threatened. Up to 37 subspecies (265); P. e. hillensis is protected by law in India (182). P. beresowskyi Staudinger from China is not mentioned by Munroe (188) or Ackery (1) (even as a subspecies) and is treated as a subspecies of epaphus by Bryk (31) and Smart (250). Common name: Common Red Apollo (80). Other refs: 1, 169, 259.

4.45 Parnassius dongalaicus Tytler, 1926

P. dongalaicus was originally described as a species by Tytler (306), but was subsequently considered conspecific with P.epaphus and was not listed by Weiss (300,315). However, Sorimachi (303) and Sugisawa (304) both regard P. dongalaicusas to be a good species sympatric with epaphus and as the senior synonym of rikihiroi Kawasaki, 1995. Common name: Tytler’s Apollo.

4.46 Parnassius tianschanicus Oberthiir, 1879

Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Jammu and Kashmir) and western China (Xinjiang, Uygur (Sinkiang)). Locally common but generally very rare in Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kyrgyzstan where it is declining and is included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book, category Vulnerable (8, 118, 260). More information is required. Up to eighteen subspecies (265). Common name: Large Keeled Apollo (80). Other refs: 1,31,74,259.

4.47 Parnassius nomion Fischer de Waldheim, 1823

Eastern Russia (Irkutsk, Buryatskaya, Amurskaya, Khabarovsk and Altay), Mongolia, China (Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi (Shensi), Heilong- jiang, Liaoning and Nei Monggol (Inner Mongolia) (?)), North Korea and South Korea. A doubtful record from North America (Alaska) (141) and another from California (55). Authority wrongly given as Hubner by Munroe (188) and Smart (250). Up to 31 subspecies (265) including P. nomius Grumm-Grshimailo from China, which is not listed by Munroe (188), Hancock (109) or Ackery (1) (even as a subspecies) and is treated as a subspecies of nomion by Bryk (31) and Eisner (73). Other refs: 149, 169.

Concern for this species seems to be based on local threats to populations, particularly those in ‘developed’ areas of western Europe. In other parts of Europe P. apollo can be very numerous. The inclusion of P. apollo on Appendix 2 of CITES is questionable when so many threatened species are excluded. The unnecessary division of the species (over 160 ‘subspecies’ are listed by Bryk (31)) has led to exaggerated fears for particular populations. However, numbers of ‘Apollos’ are taken every year in western Europe for trade, populations are often very isolated and it is declining, threatened, or rare in many countries (64, 123). It is declining sharply in all parts of the former U.S.S.R. and is included in the former U.S.S.R. Red Data Book (category Vulnerable) and the Red Book of the Ukrainian S.S.R. (8, 260). There is no information from the eastern section of the Apollo’s range. The countries that are party to CITES are obliged to invoke national legislation implementing the convention and all countries in the European Union have already done so. The Apollo is also protected by law in several other countries including Austria, Czechoslovakia, Finland, Germany, Greece and Poland. The species should be closely monitored. Common name: Apollo. Other refs: 1, 30, 100, 101, 118, 125, 141, 300, 315.

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